NHS Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group’s (CCG) Medical Director has thanked Sheffielders for getting their flu jab as the city is announced as the leading core city for delivering the vaccine.

This comes after more than 85% of 65-year-olds or above in Sheffield received their flu jab in the last year – beating all other core cities in the vaccine uptake.

Sheffield also leads for under 65-year-olds who are clinically at risk as 55% of the group have been protected against flu. The city also paves the way in children rates, with over 50% of 2-3-year-old youngsters having flu protection.

It’s easy for us to pass on flu viruses without knowing. However, the flu virus kills almost 11,000 people and hospitalises tens of thousands more in England in an average year. It’s more important than ever to get your flu jab this coming autumn.

Vaccinations prevent hospital admissions, serious illness, and death from flu viruses. We can all reduce the risk of spreading the virus by getting vaccinated.

Dr Zak McMurray, Sheffield GP and Medical Director at NHS Sheffield CCG, said: “I’m incredibly proud of our Primary Care staff who have been working tirelessly to administer thousands of flu vaccines across Sheffield.

“Thank you to Sheffielders for protecting yourself and your loved ones from the flu virus. It’s thanks to you that we, as a city, are the most vaccinated core city in England.

“Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself, friends and family from these dangerous viruses. I know first-hand that lots of patients, especially those clinically vulnerable, can have major health problems when contracting the flu virus and that’s why it’s vital that you get yourself jabbed.”

“Primary Care have gone above and beyond to get the word out to communities all over Sheffield. As a city we should be really proud at how effective we have been in getting jabs in arms and I hope that enthusiasm is continued going forward.”